Powered by another masterful performance from Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks opened the 2026 NBA Finals with a 103-95 victory over the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center, stealing home-court advantage and taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.
The win extended the Knicks’ remarkable postseason winning streak to 12 games, a run that has transformed New York from a feel-good playoff story into a team four victories away from ending a championship drought that dates back to 1973. Before the Finals, the Knicks had already won 11 consecutive playoff games, including a sweep of Cleveland in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Brunson once again proved why he has become the heartbeat of New York’s title push. The All-Star guard finished with 30 points, three rebounds, and two assists, repeatedly delivering in the biggest moments of the game. After a tightly contested battle through three quarters, Brunson took control in the fourth, helping the Knicks create the separation they had been searching for all night. Reports from Game 1 noted that Brunson scored 13 points in the final period and fueled a decisive late run that put the Spurs away.
While Brunson supplied the finishing touch, Karl-Anthony Towns provided the balance.
The veteran big man posted 18 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, giving New York a consistent interior presence against San Antonio’s length. OG Anunoby added 17 points and three rebounds as the Knicks continued to showcase the depth that has defined their postseason success.
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Wembanyama dazzled in his NBA Finals debut, finishing with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists. Time and again, the 7-foot-4 superstar answered New York runs with highlight-reel plays, keeping San Antonio within striking distance.
Stephon Castle also stepped up for the Spurs, contributing 17 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. But despite strong individual performances, San Antonio struggled to match New York’s execution down the stretch.
The contrast became evident in the final minutes. Whenever the Spurs appeared poised to make a push, the Knicks responded with timely baskets, defensive stops, and veteran composure. New York’s playoff experience showed, while San Antonio’s young core learned another lesson about the unforgiving nature of championship basketball.
The result was especially significant considering the narratives entering the series. San Antonio arrived in the Finals as the betting favorite after surviving a grueling seven-game Western Conference Finals against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, while New York entered rested and red-hot after sweeping Cleveland. Many analysts viewed Game 1 as a crucial opportunity for the Knicks to capitalize on that advantage—and they did exactly that.
Now the pressure shifts to the Spurs. Historically, teams that win Game 1 of the NBA Finals have gone on to capture the championship nearly 70 percent of the time, making New York’s road victory an important early step toward its ultimate goal.
For the Knicks, the formula remains simple: trust Brunson, rely on their defensive identity, and continue the momentum that has carried them through the postseason.
For the Spurs, Game 2 becomes an early must-respond moment. Wembanyama showed he is capable of carrying the spotlight on basketball’s biggest stage. Now San Antonio must find enough support around its franchise star to avoid heading to New York down 0-2.
The two teams will meet again in Game 2 on Saturday at 8:30 AM (Philippine Time), with the Knicks looking to tighten their grip on the series and the Spurs determined to even the Finals.
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